A Big Crypto Theft: What Went Wrong?
A serious issue has come to light involving the theft of a huge amount of cryptocurrency. The U. S. Marshals Service (USMS) is looking into claims that over $40 million in digital assets, which were seized by law enforcement, were stolen. The suspected thief is believed to have gained access through a federal contractor.
The Contractor and the Suspect
The contractor in question is Command Services & Support (CMDSS), a Virginia-based tech firm hired by the USMS to manage and dispose of certain seized cryptocurrencies. The allegations point to John “Lick” Daghita, the son of CMDSS’s president, Dean Daghita. It is alleged that John gained unauthorized access to crypto wallets holding government-seized digital assets and used them for personal gain.
The Breaking Point
The story broke after a private Telegram chat dispute was recorded and shared online. In the recording, the individual identified as “Lick” showed off a wallet containing millions of dollars in cryptocurrency and demonstrated the ability to move funds in real time. Further investigation linked these wallets to addresses known to hold government-seized assets, including funds from high-profile law enforcement seizures.
Investigation and Findings
ZachXBT, a blockchain investigator, reported the alleged activity to authorities and linked multiple wallet addresses to assets controlled by or associated with the USMS. The investigation is ongoing, and the USMS has declined to comment further on the case.
Government’s Growing Crypto Stockpile
The allegations have raised serious questions about how the U. S. government safeguards its growing stockpile of seized bitcoin and other digital assets. The federal government is believed to hold between 198,000 and 300,000 bitcoin, worth tens of billions of dollars at current market prices. This controversy comes at a time when there is already heightened scrutiny over how seized bitcoin is handled.
Security and Accountability Concerns
The incident highlights the need for better security measures and oversight in managing seized digital assets. It also raises concerns about the potential for insider threats and the importance of ensuring that those responsible for handling these assets are held accountable.
